Do you often wonder how to develop your site so it doesn't scream "small business amateur". Business owners, not just sole-proprietors, are notorious for skimping on professional web site development. Often the result is that their site is cheap looking and compels visitors to run or in this case, click in the opposite direction. Shouldn't we know better by now? Even if your site gets some sales, why settle? A business owner should be constantly improving or he or she could run the risk of getting left behind by their savvier competitors.

Below are ten important questions to ask before launching your new site?

1. Does your site load quickly?
2. Does your site include a call-to-action?
3. Do you make customer service easy?
4. Do you have relevant and useful content?
5. Is your site simple, and easy to follow?
6. Is your site's navigation simple?
7. Is your site visually effective, different?
8. Is your content and links regularly updated?
9. Do images complement or weigh down your message?
10. Is the text easy to read and the paragraphs short?

The great thing about this checklist is that it can be used to evaluate your site after a professional has designed it. Or it can also be used to evaluate the work in a designer's portfolio before you decide to hire him.

There are many different web sites that are dedicated to enhancing the look of the web. Be sure to check them out. Remember, you're not in this alone. Many of these sites contain forums where you can request other visitors to evaluate the look of your site. You can also find various examples and templates to help you get started. An example of a helpful web development site is http://webmonkey.com. Of course, a brief search in your favorite search engine should produce thousands of results containing other helpful sites.

Once your site meets these guidelines you can release it with confidence. Your newfound confidence, combined with your marketing efforts your site will be an invariable tool to help increase profits and learn more about your target market. Of course, as you learn more, you'll have to update the site and go through the checklist again!